Rainy Day

February 1, 2008

We’re experiencing an All-American Rainy Day here in Charlotte, NC. Gray sky, drizzles, etc. I’m still excited because it’s FRIDAY!! This ski weekend is going to be fun, but slam packed so I probably won’t get much studying done – and I have my first two tests next week in Chem and Physio. The husband and I are in charge of the meals this weekend (we just volunteer and take charge planning) and we’re doing a homemade pasta dish tonight and grilled lamb tomorrow night. Sides TBD!

Pre-Workout

My last oatmeal pancake with jam and almond butter – notice the perfect “S” that the almond butter dripped into!!!

Workout

I usually do spinning class on Fridays, but since my last two days were all cardio and I have a big day of skiing tomorrow and will probably take Sunday off, I decided to skip the leg-intensive spin class and do some upper body weights as well as some light cardio. 30 minutes of easy stairs, 12 on the ET, and 15 lifting. Hopefully my arms won’t be sore to hold the poles. Although I think I might snowboard (I’m much better at wakeboarding than water skiing so I think I’m more of a sideways sports person).

Breakfast

Typical banana oats with AB (almond butter from here on!), flax, and walnuts. – we had to get rid of them before this weekend. We actually did a great job eating our food this week – we are just about out of everyhting (used the last drops of coffee on the milk and will literally eat what’s still left in the fridge for lunch). Our veggie drawers are barren! I like having an organized fridge – it helps me feel calmer about what to eat and cook, so we don’t have it packed with lots of stuff. I’ll try to take a photo sometime!

And butter toffee coffee (caf today)

Breakfast kcal ~ 420 + 133 from pancake = ~550

FAQs

Sorry these are still blank. I haven’t had time to start putting some of the FAQs up, but I hope to get to it soon

Hi! Been lurking here for a few days after I discovered your blog and just wanted to say I love it and find it so inspiring!

Wanted to comment on the clean fridge, I’m the exact same way! I find it much easier to make dinners and make use of everything we buy instead of having to get rid of soggy veggies, bruised fruit etc… we rarely throw food out anymore.

I love your blog and linked to it in mine, wasn’t sure if I should ask first, but hope you don’t mind.

Why is it noteworthy that you did light intensity exercise this morning? Isn’t it time that you evolve and mature a bit with respect to your relationship with your body? So, I suppose you will cut back on calories accordingly to ensure that your net doesn’t exceed your precise calorie allowence. How about just trusting that your body will regulate its needs? One doesn’t gain weight by not exercising excessively every day.

With all due respect, you seem to be stuck in reality television sensibility (think: biggest loser). How about just feeling good about doing something physical most days of the week. I can only speak for myself, but I have moved beyond this unhealthy obsession with calories. Your posting of calories burned at the gym causes me to think “she just doesn’t get it.” How about engaging in some yoga or pilates or going for a nice leisurely bike ride? Maybe something will “click” for you.

This is just my opinion, but it has been bothering me since I began reading your (in many ways) enjoyable blog. It bothers me because so many folks are going to take away a dangerous messege and it diminishes your credibility in my eyes. I’d like to see you adopt a more trusting relationship with your body.

I also think it is important to point out to your readers that you possess no credentials related to this blog – you aren’t a nutritionist or M.D. and in fact don’t even hold a graduate degree. As I understand it, you have a Bachelor’s Degree in marketing and couple years of experience in P.R. The little knowledge you have comes from reading a few popular books during the course of your weight loss journey. Oh, and you have taken one course in nutrition. On the other hand, most other food bloggers do hold degrees in nutrition. Interestingly, these women do not subscribe to your obsessive calories in – calories purged mantra.

Hey Kath I noticed that earlier in your blog you were drinking Diet Soda and now I don’t see it. Have you given it up? I am consider giving it up because I know that it isn’t beneficial to my body. Let me know your thoughts and anyone else if they have one about it.

I understand that constructive criticism can sometimes be beneficial, but attacking a persons character is not ok. Kath takes tons of time out of her day (everyday!) to take pics of what she eats, answer questions, give tips, recipies, etc. for free just bc she loves nutrition. I am so sick of people character bashing and being so damn negative when posting comments. kath doesn’t claim to be a professional, just a woman who loves health and wellness- I have learned so much form this blog, as have others, and look forward to reading it everyday – not for the calorie counts, exercises she does or whatever, but for the positive attitude, fun / healthy recipies and reader imput. Please do not bring this blog down too- just stop reading it if it doesn’t meet your needs. I don’t count exact calories eaten or burned but I like to have an idea so I know what to eat and how much I should move inorder to stay a healthy weight- I don’t consider that obsessive at all!! Have a great day everyone and kath keep up the fantastic work! I think you are truly inspiring!
Mel

Re: Almond butter vs. Peanut butter – Almond butter has less saturated fat and has a milder less “sharp” taste. (It is slightly higher in total fat, but less “unhealthy” fat.) It’s a bit costlier, but often in-house brands (trader joes, whole food/365) are reasonably priced.

Kelly- I only do 20-30 mintues of cardio (running/ walking or ET) 4-5 times a week plus weight lifting and I consider myself in great shape and a healthy healthy weight. some people just have to work out more to keep a certain weight- I don’t have to do as much. everyone is just different!! xoxo

i do not think obsessive calorie counting reflects an interest in “health and wellness,” but rather depicts a weight loss mentality. I would hate for impressionable readers to see kath’s ways and think they are normal for people who merely just want to be healthy and well.

I just thought I’d pop in to let you know how much you and your blog have helped me. I used to think that I couldn’t bulk up my breakfast because I would just eat way too much later in the day. After reading your blog for a while, I’ve been eating a much bigger breakfast. I just love peanut butter banana oatmeal!!! It keeps me full and satisfied until lunchtime!

So, you should just know how great you are and how helpful you’ve been. Keep up the great work and keep your chin up!

Mel – I don’t think anyone attacked Kath’s character! Jen makes some excellent points and her view are pretty similar to my own. I think everyone appreciates Kath’s hard work and the positive aspects of this blog, but it does seem like she is “stuck” and there are a lot of inconsistencies here. I too outgrew the “no pain, no gain” mentality years ago.

Just wanted to say thanks for all of the awesome meal ideas. I can totally relate to your passion for food, and it’s great to see that you can have a HUGE lunch that is great for you and low in calories. You have really inspired me to vary my diet! Thank you!

Yeah, so as one who has become obsessed with overeating in the last 6 months and not counting calories and thus sabotaging my once impeccable healthy eating and exercise habits (as a result of various sources of stress and suppressed emotions coming to a head –I’m working on dealing with life) , I aspire to be to “subscribe to your(Kath’s) obsessive calories in – calories purged mantra.” She certainly does “get it.” People like me do not ‘get it.” No need for details, but I haven’t been counting calories and still don’t count them precisely, and I do not have a healthy relationship with food. People like me are learning from Kath, so take a chill pill Jen.
Just because she counts calories doesn’t mean she’s unhealthy. And I would argue that some types of obsession are good. Obsessive personalities are not in and of themselves bad — it just depends upon what a person becomes fixated. I’m obsessive, I’m type-A, and I’m proud of it.
And Kath, I gotta check out that to do list sight!! I LOVE making lists.

Happy Friday, Kath! I have only just begun reading your blog recently, but i personally enjoy reading it! Everyone has a different method of eating healthy, and exercising…what one person considers light exercise may be heavy to another, so I think you do a fabulous job sharing your experiences from your own perspective…
As far as snowboarding, i have to say the first few times I went i made the mistake of keeping to the bunny slopes, and all i did was fall, fall, fall…then a friend convinced me that the best way to go when you are first learning is to pick a medium slope…IT WAS SOOOO MUCH BETTER AND EASIER! The reason is that the bunnies are very icy whereas the medium hills have lots of powder and you are able to actually gain momentum so you will actually fall down less. Just make sure you know how to stop, and you’ll be just fine! Have fun!!!

I do not care to get into the argument associated with any food/nutrition/weight loss blog.

However, AS A NUTRITIONIST, I feel the need to defend Kath. I’d like to comment that she is as knowledgeable as any nutritionist or self-claimed professional I’ve encountered myself.

And, for those of you who aren’t aware…Her so-called “OBSESSION” with calories is not what I would consider unhealthy considering the high rate of chronic disease in this country, a large portion of which is due to obesity. More people should concern themselves with calories.

Unhealthily overweight people, and even those who ARE NOT OVERWEIGHT, often “feel good” eating 5000 calories because they have trained their bodies to do so. Should these people trust their bodies? I don’t think so.

First of all, Kath has not hidden that she’s not an RD, she’s been very clear about that fact. She’s in school now to become one. She makes no claims to be the absolute authority on all things diet and exercise, which I for one, find to be very responsible on her part. This blog is just a little slice of her life that she’s chosen to share. As readers, I believe we should be responsible and use it as a resource along with other resources (other blogs, books, etc.)

Secondly, Kath is a tremendous example of how someone who has dieted transitions to maintenance mode. She certainly seems to listen to her body. Look back at a few of her posts describing her pallet, and how she feels after she exercises.

Thirdly, we’re all different when it comes to the types of exercise we enjoy. Yoga and pilates drive me nuts, but I love running, spin class and lifting free weights. It has nothing to do with the fact that I’m out of tune with my body, but has everything to do with what types of exercise make me feel good. It’s true that you may burn just as many calories during a bikram class as I would running for an hour, but I’d prefer the run.

Actually, that’s something I’ve been wondering for quite sometime about this community. What type of exercises do you guys do? Why and how do they make you feel?

I think Amy’s post underscores the fact that these blogs are magnets for people suffering from eating difficulties of one type or other. So, I think it is important to send the right tone. I dont’ agree with the “nutrionist.” I would like to see Kath tone down her focus on calories for purposes of this public blog. Her reliance on calorie tracking is her personal decision and of course she should continue to do what works for her. But I think it does detract from the effectiveness of this blog.

Beth Q, what a great way to change the mood to a more positive one! I personally LOVE dance. When I was younger it was ballet, then it was swing, and now I am into hip-hop and street jazz…I dance about 2 hours 3 times a week, and on off days I do simple toning exercises with or without weights, and I stretch. I will occasionally go to a spin class or yoga class at the gym, or run the track at the local city college as well. I was also in karate for awhile in my teens…talk about high intensity with that one!!!

Puppylover: are you an R.D. or a “nutritionist.” My guess is the latter, based on your comment. An individual who has earned her R.D. would not state that Kath has as much knowledge as any nutritionist. (I am an R.D. and hold a doctorate as well.)

randi, I don’t usually like to get involved in blog arguements, but since I have the benefit of being new to this blog I have to say that the message I see from kath is one that lets her readers know she is trying to maintain a BALANCE, not too much, but also not too little, by using as precise measurements as possible! There is a right and a wrong way to do everything, so i think Kath takes a very responsible approach by going all out, rather than halfway…it encourages people to take responsibility for themselves. I would much rather see precise measurements than a halfway and mediocre job of it. I don’t have any creditentials and don’t claim anything other than that this is my personal opinion based on what I have observed.

I think the calories are an advantage to this blog. It gives the readers ideas of what and how much they can eat and the estimate of how many calories are in each meal. Most people do not know “how” to eat (healthy and/or portions) and with this blog including the calorie count for each meal, a person can become healthier, and then Kath is doing them a favor.

I agree with the nutritionist in saying that there is a problem with obesity in this country and maybe it wouldn’t hurt people to be a little bit more conscious of their caloric intake.

Constructive criticism can be helpful, and I believe this has been said before-Kath is merely doing this as a hobby (and great help to some of us!) and if you don’t like it, simply don’t read the blog.

I agree that there is an obesity problem in America, but what about the average woman or teenage girl who is a normal healthy weight just trying to be healthy? I am sorry, but it is not healthy or necessary for most people to be counting calories and and out so strictly. I think Kath did a great job of losing weight the healthy way, but does she need to show people that it is necessary to plan, weigh, measure, do an 1 or so of cardio a day etc. in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle? I think it sends the wrong message to people who do not do as much as Kath that they are failing.

I appreciate your comment as to help clarify the difference between an RD and a nutritionist.

I earned my RD, but I defend my statement that Kath does have knowledge as much as any “nutritionist” (certificate holding) or “self-proclaimed professional” that I have met. I did place those terms there for a reason, I did not compare her to an RD.

Most of the other food blogs I have seen are all written by “nutritionists” or those who just feel they have learned a lot in their life.

Which is why I think Kath is at least as credible as them, if not more so.

Anonymous, I do see your point, but I also think that generally people who read this blog also read OTHER blogs, some of which offer great advice and other ways of staying on track…eatlikeme for example on the Self website is an example of another popular food blog where the person does not count all of her calories…I think if we look at this blog for what it is…one person’s perspective as I think most people would, the overall picture plays a role in how women percieve thier efforts to stay healthy, not just this blog.

Anonymous (#35) – I recommend Jenna’s blog – she really provides a wonderful aspirational model for many of us who desire a mindful, but peaceful relationship with our bodies and with food. Jenna’s blog is void of the anxious intensity perfectiionistic standard that permeates this blog. Jenna includes calorie counts as a side note, an fyi, so we can ballpark quantities, but would never cite calories burned at the gym. Who cares?

Hey Anon,
I totally agree with what you said to me. I don’t think counting every calorie is necessary of healthy for a person who is just trying to be healthy and not lose or gain, like me. I personally do not count every calorie, I just like to know the range I am eating so I dont lose too much or gain too much. also, I do look at the calories I burn when on the tredmill or ET but I don’t do anything with them- I don’t subtract or whatever from what I’ve eaten. I just exercise to keep my body and heart healthy and bc I like it! btw I workout about 4-5 times a week and do about 20-30 minutes of the ET or tredmill plus some weights..not nearly as long as some! take care
Mel

btw, I should clarify — I don’t want to fuel this debate going on…I don’t rely on Kath for nutrition info. I don’t have a huge eating disorder…and I’m sorry if I gave that impression. My post was probably somewhat sarcastic and was meant to be taken lightheartedly…because I don’t like reading negative comments on Kath. It distracts from the blog. My case is more that I’m a distance runner (as in marathon) and I had to stop running suddenly because of an injury. I still ate like I was running that much for a long while, and maintaining an endurance level appetite while not enduring intense running has consequences!

I’m here to observe and learn from Kath’s ways of preparing her food. I eat lots of healthy food, but prepared way too simply than I’d like and I don’t always know what foods to pair together. That’s the kind of insight I am gleaning from Kath, not any kind of scientific means for determining calories in – calories out, etc.

I think it is so sad to see women attacking each other over their personal choices of diet and exercise. No wonder there is such a high rate of eating disorders among young women and teenage girls. We women are our own worst enemies. First, everyone attacked Cristin’s Eat Like Me blog and applauded Kath’s. Now everyone is attacking Kath and applauding Jenna’s Eat Live Run blog. My guess is that Jenna will be the next victim. Why can’t we appreciate each of these blogs for what they are? They are different women living healthy lifestyles in different ways, and they have the courage to share their lifestyles with us.

Thought I would chime in too since I’ve been reading this blog for awhile. I love this blog, love the effort that Kath puts into it with special pictures, info about her life, etc. While it does seem she is a bit obsessed with her food intake and I could never count calories the way she does because it would seem to rule my life, it seems to work for her and help her to stay in control, so that’s fine with me. Like other readers have said, it’s been interesting to see what sort of portions and food have what amount of calories, although, again, I could never deal with counting because it would stress me out! The only thing that I wish we would see more of on this blog is Kath letting a little loose! It just seems like this kind of lifestyle can only really exist in a vaccuum– I make it to the gym 5 or 6 days a week and eat really healthy, but I also go out to dinner, have snack movie nights with friends, or go to happy hour or something which might derail my after work or morning workout plans. I love this blog for the great meal ideas, interesting discussions in the posts, and for Kath’s warm, friendly posts and responses to questions (which she does seem to research and respond to appropriately, and if she doesn’t know, she will ask others or say she doesn’t know, and clearly states she is not an RD or nutritionist), but I enjoy some of the other blogs for a more realistic, go with the flow approach to balancing life, spur of the moment social events, or sometimes just a craving for dessert that it wouldn’t be the end of the world to give in to!

Thanks Kath for all you do, and have a blast skiing/snowboarding this weekend!

I am so sick of these people defending Kath like she is their BFF (yes, I intended for that to sound junior highish….). Kath is overly obsessied with calories. Beyond that, she is overly obsessed with herself! Kath, the rest of us are working real jobs, struggling to pay bills and get food on the table. When I view this blog, it has just become annoying to see your self-centered ways. I don’t understand these people commending your “busy schedule.” When I was in school I also worked and paid my own expenses. Please get over yourself! Pay attention to what is going on around you!

As another ready commented, your calorie counting has reached the obsessive point. I think that’s pretty obvious: when one person posts about how they have an eating disorder…they all start to come out. I have been amazed at how many women with eating disorders are viewing this page. Does this concern you at all, Kath?

Finally, as stated earlier, Kath has no credentials to be giving advice, especially to the multiple readers with eating disorders. Please go see a dietician (note, a dietician does not equal nutritionist…please do some research). Kath, stop promoting this lifestyles please!

I just have to say that I too enjoy Kath’s blog. It’s fun to read and while it’s not realistic for me to prepare the kind of meals she does it doesn’t mean I still can’t be fascinated by it. I love to look at what other people are doing with their lives because it inspires me and keeps me motivated.

Everyone is different. I personally do not want to count every calorie. I used to but I have now determined life is too short to spend weighing fruits, vegetables and measuring how much exercise I did to burn off one peice of chocolate. This works for her, not for me. I respect Kath and her views but I do worry that if she were to counsel someone on getting healthy they might be intimidated by all the number crunching she does.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ll keep coming back. Kath is a great person who just has a different view on food and exercise than some. Everyone is different. I have noticed that she quit talking about money and things she buys and stuff like that. I don’t know whay she stopped that because so what if she goes shopping and buys expensive food? I liked this interesting part of her blog.

Wow Michelle42, I really don’t see what counting calories has to do with how much you work! I went to school full time while working full time, I don’t have an eating disorder, and I don’t feel the need to count calories, but I find Kath’s blog to be lighthearted and friendly, unlike your comment. Don’t be a hater, there are plently of other blogs if you don’t like this one.

Christin,
The point of the working comment was that this blog seems a little self-righteous. I mean, Kath always seemed to throw in her shopping trips, etc. I never saw her once mention doing anything not for herself or her husband. Some of us actually have activities we are involved in that we are passionate about. Kath’s activity seems to be counting calories. Kath, do something for someone else….you might actually enjoy it.

Glad you don’t have an eating disorder. Neither do I. But have you seen how many people commenting do have this problem? Kath needs to address this instead of ignoring it.

Wow Michelle42, CHILL OUT! Many people that come here clearly love what Kath is doing and how she does it, so yeah, they are obviously going to defend her with all of this constant judgement and criticism. They are simply chiming in to say that they like her methods.

You need to calm down. It is the internet, and like others have said, this is a free blog. Please read elsewhere if you are this offended and feel the need to pick at everything Kath is doing! Who cares? Some like it, some don’t. If you don’t, stop ruining it for those who do and LEAVE!

I just wanted to say I love this blog and I’m glad that Kath has found something that works for her and that she enjoys. I’ve been reading this blog for quite a while and love the work she puts into it as well as her enthusiasm and attention to detail.
As far as the “calories” discussion, I just think we’re all different and maintain/lose/gain weight differently, so what works for one may not work for another. We just need to keep that in mind.

Kath-have fun skiing this weekend…I haven’t been in years since I broke my arm last time I went! Hope your ski trip is safer than my last one was!

Uhhh…just an observation but so many people keep saying that Kath is obsessed with food and health and blah blah blah…

Did you ever stop to think about the fact that YOU ARE READING HER FOOD BLOG! You might not have an ED or you might not have an obsession with calorie counting or exercise but you do have enough of an obsession to be commenting on, viewing, and bashing a food blog. We are all slightly obsessed with health or nutiriton of some sort to spend our free time viewing a blog. Just a thought!

So tired of people who can’t handle criticism. Honestly, is the best answer always “go somewhere else.” Yes, this is a public blog and is open to public scrutiny. Kath (and others) will have to learn to deal with it!

Yes, people love it. Especially all those of you who have an eating disorder. If anyone needs to be told to go somewhere else, it’s you! Please go see a real dietician.

Anyway, as others have said MANY times, constructive criticism is great and Kath has made it clear that she welcomes it. But you are just being downright rude, and I wonder why you would even want to read her blog if it offends you and upsets you this much, I don’t understand it.

I am not coming here looking for advice that I would want, or need from a dietician, I am simply coming because I like Kath’s fun food ideas and finds, dinner suggestions, etc. And because, until recently, there wasn’t any outright rudeness, bashing, and attacking ones character and diagnosing people with eating disorders.

I know my comment is way down here … but I hope someone sees it!
Does anyone know if canned pumpkin works in Kath’s pumpkin pie cake? I really want to try it and I can’t find a fresh pumpkin anywhere.
Thank you, Kath, for all your hard work and dedication. I appreciate it.

Michelle42, I agree with you to the extent that Kath has an opportunity with this blog to do something good for others, but I think that she does use it for good, and that there is a very fine line between the personal responsibility of an individual on the internet who has an eating disorder to get help, and Kath’s responsibility to stick with her intended purpose for her blog. I am of the opinion that a blog is a blog is a blog, and anything you say on it is subject to interpretation, but should never be considered a final authority on any subject. Wether the readers of this particular blog have an eating disorder or not is really not anything Kath or you or i have any control over…it is up to that individual with the eating disorder to take personal responsibility for his or herself to get the help they need. You can say whatever you want, but people will ulitmately make thier own decisions regardless. That being said, while I believe your intentions are good in that you want to encourage those with a problem to get help,the tone you have chosen may not have been the best one to get people to understand that they may need help beyond the anonimity of a blog.

Seriously…this whole thing is unnecessary. It’s 1 PM on a Friday. I’m sure most of you are at work or school sneaking away to read a food blog (just like I am). Instead of bashing it, just enjoy it, take it for what it is, and move on. It’s the internet. Any information you get is going to be slightly suspect.

Kath – I’m pretty sure you do this blog for yourself (as you ought to). So just keep doing what works for you, and ignore people who probably aren’t doing what they’re supposed to (ie, work, study, etc.) but instead are being negative.

Actually, since Kath owns the domain, this is her blog, it’s actually her property.

One of the things she could do, if she wanted would be to moderate comments, and not post the negative ones. She has chosen not to do that, which I think is very big of her. I mean, if I had people popping up here just to start flame wars, I’d block their comments. There’s a difference between constructive criticism and harmful and hurtful language.

Michelle, even if you think that you’re criticism is constructive, your language and tone was very negative, harmful and hurtful. I would suggest taking a breath, and think about the tone with which you address people in a forum like this.

Pertaining to the “criticism,” bickering, etc. in the comments, we all need to keep in mind that we are dealing with a wide variety of ages, life experiences, educational backgrounds, etc. Really, I think there are too many adolescent women bringing a catty, junior high vibe to this blog. And no, I don’t mean the criticism, I mean the ones who type, “If you don’t like it, go somewhere else.” Grow up and realize that differing opinions are not always rude attacks, and stop taking everything so personally!

Wow! 54 comments and climbing Kath…..just think the more people post the more popular your blog will be!! It’s all a compliment really. You have opened the door for so many conversations, that’s wonderful! Congrats……I love your calorie counting as many of us are numbers people too. Some of us who are studying to be an RD actually find it useful to counts calories and weigh foods so that we LEARN the most we possibly can, to eventually be the best RD’s we can be. Keep it up Kath…..know that there are SO many people who really love and support your blog. Have a great time skiing!

Ok Michelle42 (Or any other Kath haters for that matter)… relax!!! Please. Just move on, go to your job or maybe “do something for others” instead of so obviously sitting here waiting to reply to every commenter. You asked for it with your MEAN SPIRITED comments. I’m sure Kath expected criticism along with the new readers each day… but CONSTRUCTIVE criticism or calm suggestions are a lot different then what you are doing.
There are obviously way more people who enjoy this blog, so please take your bitter, jealousy fueled comments and waste space and suck the positive spirit out of SOMEWHERE else.

Michelle42’s original post couldn’t be more dead-on. “She’s not only obsessed with calories, but she is obsessed with herself.” Self indulgent, Kath is!

And, the reason those with eating disorders are coming out of the woodwork is because, as another reader pointed out, food blogs are magnets for those fixated on food. Of course, they aren’t going to find their answers here or on any blog, but Kath needs to be more concious of the message she is sending. She might not have personally slipped down the slope of an eating disorder (depending on one’s definition), but others view these blogs through the prism of a psychiatric illness (that’s not meant to be derogatory…anorexia, etc. are classified that way medically.)

And, yes…the husband is so unbearably rude! (Celebrity?! Someone sure has an inflated sense of himself!)

i want to chime in here on two points. i am a certified personal trainer, so i can say that for someone who has lost a significant amount of weight (go, Kath!..around 30 lbs right?) one has to exercise that hard to keep it off. and congrats to her for realizing that. once someone is over weight they have to exercise more than the “average” person to maintain the weightloss, thats why they say its a lifestyle change, not a diet. and a lot of people do not have the motivation to work out that hard, and thats why so many americans are overweight.

reguarding the calories…some people need to do that to make sure they are getting enough/not too much. The only time i would be concerned is if kath started to eliminate things because of their calorie content (no nuts in her oatmeal because they are calorically dense, etc.) as long as she is in the healthy calorie range, i see no problem with her keeping track to make sure she remains there.

you should be overly conscious of what goes into your body. its the only one you have.

One comment after reading about the above 60 useless bickerings back and forth above…
If Kath only cared about herself, then WHY would she be spending a LOT of her free time blogging and answering questions (where she feels capable of, since again she’s not certified YET) for FREE to young and old alike, eating disorderd or not? Yes, part of this is like a diary where she can keep track of her own goals; however, a good deal of this is for US, the readers, to merely give us an idea of how ONE woman goes about keeping her diet healthy and rounding it out with exercise. Do we ALL have to eat and exercise this way? NO! Should we all eat and exercise this way? No! We all know that we are all different, but we are all reading this blog, because obviously we are all LEARNING something from it!
I am a physician assistant who is certified and has about 15 years plus of athletics, sports camps, dietician and nutrition counseling under my belt, and while I would be good candidate to start a food blog, I would NEVER do so, because of all the scrutiny that goes along with it. If I posted my daily meals and exercise patterns, I’m sure I’d hear from most people that I “eat too much” or have “too many snacks” or “workout too much and too hard”! What you can’t actually see on a blog is a person’s body fat percentage, build, actual metabolic level, intensity of their workouts, and even portion sizes of their food are hard to guage without either giving measurements or calories. I think by Kath giving numbers, it merely helps to give the viewer an idea of her intensity of exercise and the portions she is having, since looking at pictures online, like you can at eatlikeme, are quite deceiving. So while she works out for 45 minutes, burning 400 calories, to me, doesn’t mean she’s working all out. I ran/walked for 45 minutes the other day and probably burned closer to 600 calories since I ran hill repeats on the treadmill and usually run anywhere from 6-7:30/ mile pace! So back off on the harsh comments, yes I agree people should voice their opinions and give constructive criticism, but what’s going on here is far beyond constructive, it is downright negative and thoughtless.

anon and Alena – what benefit do those comments have? Jeez – you don’t know anything about their marriage. And since Kath LIKES IT when he answers readers questions, and it’s her blog, not yours, I think it’s okay.

i have not been reading this long…so can someone please explain to me why suddnely Kath is being seen as obsessed with herself?

Am I missing something?

Also, for those of you against calorie counting…what do you do instead? I’m very careful about food groups but i also realize that different foods that equate one serving from the same food group have different calorie counts…I don’t want to gain weight!?!

(Sorry…not trying to be annoying, asking serious questions to be answered seriously. And not meanly or in a condescending way please. thanks:))

I eat when I am hungry and stop when I am full. I am active everyday (not always “working out”) and I eat non processed food. You do not need to count calories in order to not be overweight. Initially counting calories is beneficial to those who need to loose weight and have no idea how much food they consume. After that point I find calorie counting to be obsessive and unnecessary when you eat right and are active.

Josefina, i am just as confused…I don’t get why people feel the need to attack the integrity of people’s blogs…I think they just like to stand on thier soapbox because it’s there for them to stand on. God Bless America and Freedom of Speech…

I agree with Good Grief. It’s juvenille to condem others for having differing opinions. Adults know that agreeing-to-disagree is perfectly fine. In my opinion the reason this conversation escalated to such an extent (fans vs. critics) is because people are not listening and respecting one another. Differing views and debates are great. Why not just accept our various sensibilities and needs, instead of going into attack mode the minute someone says something controversial? I don’t agree that someone shoud be asked to “go elsewhere” for expressing what is on her mind.

I was also going to mention that calorie counting is no different and no more obsessive than other “diets” that are out there such as the 5 factor diet, weight watchers plans with counting points, etc. Most diet plans that you see involve either counting calories, counting food groups, or counting points to keep the person ACCOUNTABLE for what they eat!
I see many diabetic patients and overweight/obese patients in my practice every day, and a lot of these patients not only do I refer to them to dieticians for proper nutrition counseling, I often give them a calorie limit to try and go by along with handouts on sample diet plans, and for diabetic patients I expect them to count carbs, because they have to know how much insulin to take based on their carb intake! So again, the calorie counting that Kath is doing should be taken with a grain of salt, and this maybe just how she keeps herself accountable and lets us know her portion sizes rather than it being a totally obsessive, eating disordered fixation.

Goalie: you have overstayed your welcome. You have monopolized every conversation since your arrival. You are not an R.D. or a exercise physiologist but rather a physicians assistant, so have no business giving the advice you do.

The advice I give here is no different than the advice I give to patients in my practice on a daily basis… I would not say the things that I do if I did not have the knowledge and training to back them up…my degree is a 2 year master’s degree, I’ve learned 80% of what a Physician learns and I’m not just out of school, so I have a a good amount of training to back my mouth and my typing up here.

what’s up, sara (the one who commented on goalie) we ran out of smack to talk on kath so now we have to start attacking commenters too? if you have advice to offer, then offer it, but it doesn’t seem like you have any differing opinions to offer up, so why bother to bash? what was the point? Can’t we just all get along, and agree to disagree without being hateful?

If you would like more information about what a Physician Assistant is and what background/training/licensing is involved, please visit the above website, it is the AAPA the national organization for PAs. They would be glad to inform you of my capabilities, Sara.

period. thats just the way it is. of course things can vary over the course of a few days…but basically, thats the formula. how do you know how much you eat if you dont add it up? if i “listened” to my body all the time, i could probably sit down and polish off a gallon of cookie dough icecream and a jar of peanut butter no problem…but i think its better to use my brain on occasion…that why i have it.

Also, Goalie, I value your input, and I’m sure Kath does as well. You have really stepped up and helped answer a lot of the questions posted here. My college roomate went on to be a PA and I know how hard she worked and the types of classes she took and things she learned. Many people don’t realize that the people they see in a Dr.’s office may actually be PA’s. They can (depending on their field) pretty much do most things a Dr. can do, including surgery!

Becky,
You’re right…a lot of PAs assist in surgery, I had a one month surgery rotation during PA school, but that kind of work is just not for me. I actually worked in the ER for the past 2 years and did perform a lot of suturing, incision and drainages, and even helped the doctors with lumbar punctures! But the hours were horrible, so I’m now working in an office setting in internal medicine, I like a lot! I get to counsel patients a lot more and get to see them back on repeat visits, so I know what happens to them. When I worked in ER, I usually didn’t see the patient again, so I didn’t get to follow their progress.
If anyone has any interests in becoming a PA or questions about the field, I’d love to answer any questions that I can…I had a snow day from work today!

Ok I know Kath personally… She likes healthy food. She likes the fuel it provides her body AND she likes the way it tastes. We all like to eat healthy or we wouldn’t be reading this blog. She posts the calories so YOU can get an idea of how you can eat a ton of great food and not be consuming a ridiculous amount of calories. She actually thought about taking off the calories because it was an issue but then everyone would ask “where did the calories go? can you put them back?”. Kath is a very nice person.. and so is her husband. They are in no way obsessive/rude/self absorbed people! I found this blog and realized I lived across the street from her and Kath invited me TO HER HOUSE that next weekend! So please, realize that she has feelings and quit the bashing. She puts a lot of effort into making this blog informative. Thank you =)

I simply would be very grateful if either of you could tell me the brand or type of coffee you purchase? And further, whether you add any milk, soy milk, splenda and so on. The flavors sound absolutely divine.

As an aside, I have found both your comments invaluable and enjoyable to read.

I should add: Kath and the husband, please realize that there are innumerable silent readers of your blog (like myself prior to today) who truly appreciate and recognize the time, effort and caring that goes into this endeavor.

You two are clearly very dedicated and helpful individuals. Aside from that, any personal attributes or attacks directed your way are entirely void.

Josefina, the link I posted under comment #89 above gives a great definition about what a PA is and what type of training it involves.

To summarize it quickly, the training is usually 2 straight years (24 months) Master’s Degree (some schools still offer only Bachelor’s Degree programs)…I decided on this instead of going to medical school, because of 1) money (my master’s degree only set me back about $40k whereas Med school is usually twice as much if not more than this) 2) time: becoming a doctor involves 4 years of medical school plus at LEAST another 3-4 years of residency and internship training, if you wanted to be in a specialized or surgical field, you might spend another 4-8 years on top of that!
If you have a biology degree you would probably meet most if not all requirements to get into almost most of the Master’s programs for PA school.
The first year is all classroom and lecutres and the 2nd year of the program usually involves clinical rotations

I don’t know why everyone has such a problem with Kath talking about her day and herself. It’s HER blog. Go to any number of blogs on the internet written by everyday people….what do you think most of them talk about??? THEMSELVES and what happens during their day!

“I agree that there is an obesity problem in America, but what about the average woman or teenage girl who is a normal healthy weight just trying to be healthy? I am sorry, but it is not healthy or necessary for most people to be counting calories and and out so strictly. I think Kath did a great job of losing weight the healthy way, but does she need to show people that it is necessary to plan, weigh, measure, do an 1 or so of cardio a day etc. in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle? I think it sends the wrong message to people who do not do as much as Kath that they are failing.”

Just because there is a problem with obesity does NOT mean that one should teeter on the other end of the spectrum at Type A obsessiveness! Kath clearly does not have a balance with her relationship with food and her body. No, we don’t want to be eating 5,000 calories a day and end up obese, but there IS a happy balance and I don’t think Kath is even close.

Personally, if I was seeking out a R.D. and I came across her blog there is no way in hell I would seek out her counsel. She clearly has to remedy her own issues before she can counsel others.

Maran #100- I think you are missing the point of whether or not Kath posts her calories.

Whether she takes the calories out or not, it still doesn’t change the fact that she has a problem. We all know that she would be obsessively counting calories and measuring nets, and weighing foods anyways.

So first, Kath does not have the credentials to be answering questions and giving advice. And then, Goalie who has the degrees and the experience is asked to stop posting and helping others…
What exactly makes you people happy?? Obviously, you’re not getting it from a blog (which in my opinion, is just that 10 minute guilty pleasure I give myself at work once or twice a day). I suggest looking for other things to make your day more fulfilling.
I’ve enjoyed Goalie’s presence on this blog. It’s almost like some partnership. Kath provides the creativity and ingredients for meal ideas. Goalie helps by provide sound advice and answers backed up by research and experience. One day Kath will have this after a couple years at school, but for now, I like this system. Although, it might be interesting to see what Goalie’s own blog would look like… ; ) hint, hint.

I don’t understand where any of the attacks against the Husband came from. I think he’s hilarious! I can only wish my boyfriend shared the same passion for food and baking as I do!

There is a way to offer constructive criticism without being rude and combative. If you can’t find a way to say what you mean without attacking, then please think twice and realize you are about to be mean to someone you haven’t even met and know barely anything about…. ON A BLOG.
Direct your cattiness elsewhere, or participate in more face to face interactions perhaps. Would you say the same thing to somebody in their presence? Then it does not belong online either, courtesy please.

*****
So I have a general question for anybody to answer: I just made quinoa last night for the first time. We had it under veggies and chicken sausage. But it seems very similar to oats. So I was wondering if anyone has prepared it in a breakfast-like way with milk or fruit or something like that? The nutritional data is great for this stuff and it was definitely filling.
Thanks, guys. Happy Friday!

Beth #109 and #110 is correct. Sorry, I “like” Kath too–she’s entertaining, etc. but she is on a slippery slope and most importantly is not conveying a “healthy” message with her compulsiveness and really does get a bit carried away with her own self-importance (and that husband for sure!)

I wish goalie would get his own blog, so we don’t need to be annoyed by his long rants. We didn’t come here for him to take over every conversation. Please go back to where you came from and work with your geriatric patients. I don’t think your patients health profiles resemble those of Kath’s audience.

goalie30, I think you sound extremely knowledgable and if you did have a blog I’d read it. Or would love to e-mail if you wouldn’t mind. No offense to Kath, your blog is fabulous. I have a question for the husband, I checked some websites but I’d love your thoughts on some suggestions for superbowl snacks. I’m thinking boneless buffalo tenders, baked not fried, pita chips and veggies with a spinach/artichoke dip, burritos, and some kind of chocolate blow-out patriots victory confection. Happy trails this weekend.

I am not a him I am a her, thank u very much Like 99% of the readers/bloggers I’m sure!

I do not only take care of geriatric patients, I work in internal medicine which I’ve seen people as young as 16 and I’ve seen a few 98 year olds. A good deal of the diabetic patients, high cholesterol, and overweight patients I’ve been dealing with are 30-60 years of ago. You’d be surprised how many 20 and 30-somethings I see who eat horribly and do not exercise at all; they have cholesterol and blood pressure levels of some people who ARE geriatric!

IN terms of me starting my own blog…I think that is quite a compliment; however, I do not have the extra time or computer savey to be able to run one. Like I mentioned above, I really don’t want to face the criticisms of my own diet all day long, because I am definitely not as strict with my diet as a lot of these women who are running the blogs are. I do have a handful of peanut m&ms when I’m at work occasionally, and I do enjoy pizza and yes, even God forbid, french fries, on a weekly (not daily) basis, so I’m sure all the posts would say I eat too much and I’m not a good role model, even though I am extremely active and have a great blood pressure/ cholesterol profile. That and I wouldn’t want to have to carry a camera around with me all day and take pictures of everything! I really comment Kath, and the other gals out there who are doing that, because it takes a lot of energy and a lot of guts to be able to do this day in and day out.
For those who have medical questions, I don’t mind answering a few of them by email; but I will not post my email address here thanks to all of the haters, so please POST YOUR EMAIL address in the blog here, and I will email you soon with some answers if I feel qualified to answer them.

I am also assuming most readers in here are in the 20-40 year old range with a few outliers, and I myself am under 30, which is why I like reading this blog and others, because I do feel I can relate, since I am in the age bracket of the ladies doing the bloggings.

Kath is trying to help people see how you can eat good food throughout the day without depriving yourself and be very healthy. The calories are up to show you how you can eat a large volume of food while still maintaining a healthy weight. The blog is up to help people. If you don’t like it, simply don’t read it. Don’t bash her for her efforts. For many people it is a helpful guide. If you think she has flaws, let it be. We all have flaws but that’s not the focus of this blog. Please just read, learn, enjoy, and ask her questions when you have any.

I have to disagree…Kath posts calorie counts for her OWN ‘benefit'; that is, satisfying the inner control/obsession. Like someone said before, if she stopped posting calories for ‘us’, she would certainly not stop in her head or outside of the blog. I wish she could get away from it, I really do. It is not a way to live.

I think it would seem like less of an obsession if she didn’t painfully count every calorie. For example, 133 calories in a pancake. Why not just ballpark it? I think that is where the obsession comes in.

Tons of people keep in mind an estimated amount of how many calories they eat a day just to keep their health in check, theres nothing worng with that. And, she knows by now about how many calories are in what satisfies her so she is posting them for other peoples benefit

i hope that dig against wanting to take advice from a physician’s assistant instead of a “certified personal trainer” isnt an attack on me because i in no way made any negative comment towards anyone, and im pretty sure im the only one stating they were certified (correct me if im wrong…it takes ages to wade through all these comments). you do not need you bachelor’s to become certified but you do need to attend classes and demonstarte your knowledge of training. I said nothing about that having anything to do with nutritional matters. i was making a comment on her exercise regimine and then i added i think its fine to count calories. try not to put down anyone’s career, especially when it is competely unwarranted.

Nancy and VeganDancer,
We buy our coffee from a local coffee shop that makes tons of good flavors. Check around your town for some smaller ones – or you can find some good flavors online. Vegan, we usually use 2 oz or so of skim milk and some splenda in coffee – vanilla soy milk on occasion!

Katie,
YAY for Todoist!!! Let me know if you end up using it and liking it. I have the Google homepage widget – it’s convenient

Christy,
Thanks for the link!

Brooke,
I have never consumed diet soda on a regular basis – you must have just seen one day out of the blue. I have a diet drink maybe 2-3 times a month, mostly when I’m home with my family (they have a fully stocked fridge) or on vacation. I try to keep my fluids to water, tea, coffee, and milk as an effort to keep my diet as pure as possible, but I do use splenda/stevia in my tea.

Paula,
I used to think the same thing about big breakfasts, but when I switched to larger ones suddenly I didn’t need a mid-morning snack. it’s so nice not to have to plan a snack and get hungry. Thanks so much for the nice comment

Mikell,
Thanks for the nice comment too!

Carrie,
I see all comments (unfortunately??) so I didn’t miss yours! The pumpkin is Libbys 100% Pure Pumpkin canned. Enjoy the recipe! Thanks for your thanks too.

Ryane,
I’ve definitely seen recipes for breakfast quinoa (with dried fruit and such) but I haven’t tried it yet. Let us know if you do!!

Kath’s habits are not about motivation, and I know I am not jealous of her. I have gone down that road already, and have absolutely no desire to do so again.

Kath isn’t counting calories for us as several previous posters said. If she works out lightly she actually reduces her usual portion of 10 grams of walnuts in her oatmeal to 5 grams (less than one tablespoon.) In her mind, apparently, she is going to gain weight if she doesn’t cut back by 50 calories to compensate. It takes 3500 calories to put on a pound. I seriously doubt with Kath’s active life style one day of not exercising will affect her weight. That’s not what I consider free choice, it’s compulsiveness in my book.

I have not commented on conflict here before, but would like to offer my opinion as a therapist. I have a Master’s degree in Counseling and treat people with a variety of disorders, including eating disorders.

I do not think counting calories is a problem for every person nor is it a clear cut indicator that there is a problem. While it CAN be a problematic tactic for people with eating disorders, so can many other weight loss/maintenance tactics that the average person might utilize safely.

Eating disorders have complex causes and presentations and are not something anyone, including myself, could diagnose from reading this particular blog.

I personally do not worry about the behaviors I see Kath engage in… I do not see her behavior as obsessive. Many people are able to maintain healthy weights when they tap into an aspect of nutrition that they feel passionate about. From reading the comments, I see that for some of you your passion has been a newfound enjoyment of your life, cooking, physical activity, what have you. It appears to me that Kath is a detail oriented and organized person who enjoys getting into the planning and nuances of things in a way that would bore SOME people silly or even be unhealthy to have to track all that. This does not mean it is unhealthy for her personally nor unhealthy for all people. I think this is her natural tendency whether it is food, cleaning, whatever. She appears to love to make schedules and organize, while perhaps this seems high strung to some, others may view this as her capitalizing on her strengths. Just because a person has Type A tendencies does not mean they are out of balance with it. We all have tendencies that can help or hinder us depending on our usage of them.

My fear is that many of you are projecting your own fears and maladaptive thinking about food onto Kath and other readers. It is okay to count calories if you are responsible with it and it is not weird to not want to ballpark the numbers. Most sources for calories give them in odd numbers, some people choose to round for brevity, others do not find the math with odd numbers inconvenient.

I do not know Kath or any other blogger personally, but have felt disheartened recently by the tone of comments from people on this blog and eat like me. I think both blogs give adequate information about how and why food choices are made. I would hope that people understand that everyone’s needs and experiences are so different it would be hard to address why not all choices are right for all people with every single post.

yeah, I think some of the eat like me bloggers, having given Kristen some rough comments are now turning to Kath. Differing opinions are fine, but truly, (I am also a C.A.G.S. degreed (two years beyond masters) counselor by trade and have completed training in diagnosing eating disorders, the best thing readers can do is get informed on what eating issues present like and be very careful about what you say to folks (in either verbal or written formats). I trust that no-one wants to hurt someone’s feelings/do any damage. This is an extremely sensitive issue/and a blog, I agree wholly, is not the format to make these assertions. Here is an interesting link for your consideration. I find this to be a great source of information re: getting people help, symptoms/signs, where to turn: http://www.medainc.org/

Alexa – I resent and am personally offended that you have diagnosed Kath’s readers/critics as projecting their own problems with food onto her! Perhaps we just don’t agree. There are good therapists and there are bad apples and I think you are a bad apple. I can’t imagine a good therapist posting this. Second, since you say you are qualified to diagnose eating disorders, you forgot to mention the very important fact that the type A traits that Kath obviously possesses significantly predispose her to developing an eating disorder. This is a non controversial fact. Don’t you think you might have pointed this out, or did you not do so because it wasn’t pertinent to your argument. Seems to me that you shouldn’t be practicing on an internet blog!

If I saw a friend asking the chef how much cream he puts in the soup, I would be more than alarmed. This is just one example of taking a healthy habit much too far…to have to know every calorie and fat gram that enters your body is an obsession (even if it is often played as a curiosity for the love of health!)

I don’t think reader’s concerns for Kath’s behaviors are out of line, especially given how many of us feel the same way.

The Husband: What makes you think that any of Jenna’s readers want to hear from you? I think we get plenty of your arrogance on this blog. Many of us visit Jenna’s blog to escape the intensity and perfectionistic tone of Kath’s blog. So, you leave your post on both blogs, just in case someone didn’t see it? Sheesh!

Hmmm, not sure why you are offended if in the same post you said it was okay to disagree? I disagree with the conclusions some people are coming to, but I did not attack anyone. I just feel there is not enough information on the blog to feel so certain about Kath having a problem. I think people underestimate how much their personal relationship with food shapes how they see behaviors. I did not diagnose. My exact point was that it was not appropriate for myself or others to diagnose here. “Projection” is not a diagnosis anyways, it is a behavior and I said I had some FEARS that people were doing that not that I had proof that they were.

Diagnosing someone is more complex than noting correlations between traits and disorders. Not to mention that causality and correlation are not the same! I thought the correlation between the two had been brought up enough that I was merely offering a different perspective. I do not know if she has a problem and neither do you. I merely wanted to present an alternative scenario where her choices could be viewed in another light.

I think it is okay to say when one’s experience has been different than hers and it is okay to mention that some of the strategies she uses do not work for everyone, but I do not like it when people are so sure they know exactly how she views her relationship with food.

Anyways, my overall point was that I am surprised so many people seem to feel so certain of their judgments of her. I never said I was certain or diagnosing, just not overtly concerned by her posts. I see no reason to jump to the conclusions that many have. I think she has addressed all of the concerns listed above over the months in many different ways and do not understand the need for the hostile tone of many posts. I meant nothing hostile in mine…. I just have seen that many stories have many sides and I am not in a state of alarm about Kath from what I have read in her posts.

Wow– there are a ton of posts on here right now– But I just wanted to say as a North Carolina snowboarder, I hope Kath as a wonderful time this weekend. I am just now getting the hang of snowboarding after going several times. So it is hard work– and you’ll take much harder falls than wakeboarding– but it’s a blast!! I’ll be up there next weekend for an early Valentine’s with my husband

Alexa – You are not a psychiatrist and your are not a psycholoigst. You tell us you have Masters degree in counseling. These credentials do not impress me. You meant nothing hostile? You are telling us all that it is our problem not Kath’s. My husband is a Psychiatrist (M.D) and is shocked by your unprofessionalism. You apparentlly think that flaunting that you are a therapist makes your post more credible than all of us who see something very different.

Wow, Alexa! I don’t think I remember anyone asking for a counselor to assess our behavior. Several of us have concerns. We don’t need someone who isn’t even a phsychologist evaluate us. The main complaint is that Kath places too much emphasis on fanatically calculating and analyzing her food and exercise. The issue is that we think it promotes unhealthy attitudes, which many of us are trying to escape. I think that is valid. So, mind your own business!

I am not sure whether Kathy has a responsibility to alter her blog because people with “disordered eating” may be reading. That seems like an awfully big burden for a blogger. I do, however, think someone with an eating disorder could do a lot worse than to look to Kathy for what to eat. Yes, she counts every single morsel and every drop of exercise, but the numbers = a reasonable amount. It’s not like it adds up to 500 or something!

Kath,
I don’t know if you are going to read this since I think this is comment 140, but I was wondering if it was possible to screen the comments and so that way people who are rude won’t be able to post? I am sure I am going to be viciously attacked for even suggesting this, but I really enjoy your blog and don’t want to have to avoid reading the comments in the future.

Melisa,
I sure hope I do OK snowboarding tomorrow! Thanks for the luck – I’ll need it! I might just ski because everyone else in my group is – I’m sure it’ll be a last minute decision. The last time I went I snowboarded and found it much easier and less falls than skiing, so we shall see!

This post is probably too late for the topic but oh well… i’ve had quinoa for breakfast, cooked with chopped dried fruit, cinnamon and and a bit of dried ground coriander, and it is SO delicious. Give it a try, maybe sweeten it with a bit of splenda or honey, whichever you prefer. It has this hearty yet sweet taste, and it’s sooo good for you!